John Prince

The Southern Glossary Instagram account is curated by a new artist or photographer each week. Every curator will put their own spin on the account, showing off work, their process, and their surroundings. Here's a Q&A with last week's curator, photographer John Prince.

As a kid I was obsessed with skateboarding and music. Everything I was into was happening somewhere else and relayed to me through magazines. I would look at images everyday hoping to learn new tricks or just to keep up with what was happening. All that time I spent looking through photographs had a big effect on me. Eventually, I got a manual Nikon camera for Christmas and found a hand-me-down enlarger. I printed for months not even knowing what contrast filters were. I found a darkroom book at the thrift store and things got a lot better from there.

How do you feel about the relationship of an artist to their city or surroundings?

As far as making work, I’d like to think I could make stuff anywhere, which is exciting. This notion, I would say, drives me to investigate and figure out what interests me about any place I end up. That being said, no matter where you go I think subconsciously we’re always seeing things that feel familiar to us and we’re drawn to that. I’ve always thought that Bob Dylan could write a song about any place or anything, be it lighthearted or sad and make it interesting. I believe photographers can attempt to do the same thing with pictures.

Do you have a creative or artistic peer group in your area that you're a part of? What opportunities are there for artists like yourself?

I am also in the Georgia State University MFA program. I’m fortunate to be around excellent teachers and students. Artists in Atlanta work really hard and are passionate and I find that inspiring. It’s a great community here and there are a lot of opportunities to get your work out there.

Where do you go to draw inspiration?

Lots of things can resonate with inspiration for me, and I try to stay aware of that. It’s the best when it is unexpected or from somewhere I wouldn’t have thought to look. I find it interesting when an artist reveals an inspiration for their work that is not so obvious. It shows that they synthesized that inspiration and digested it with their personal experiences.

Do you feel creatively satisfied?

I’m not sure that’s even possible. I’m skeptical of liking anything I make too much at first, as it might just be a honeymoon phase. I believe the self-doubt artists feel is important for moving forward and not becoming complacent.

Tell me about a recent, current, or upcoming project or exhibition.

I’ve been a part of a few group shows in Atlanta so far in 2015 so that’s been great. Right now I’m getting ready for a workshop with Todd Hido and after that it’s back to reading and making as much work as possible.

The Southern Glossary Instagram is at the heart of our project. Each week, a new artist shares work from somewhere in the South and communicates how it affects and inspires them. Check out the latest images from the feed and be sure to follow us.